Pipe cleaning apparatus



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m. ,n EVEIL. @fm1 nu Dec. 8. 1953 H. H. RUDOLPH ETAL PIPE CLEANING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 19, 1949 1l Il @l Jur Patented Dec. 8, 1 953 PIPE CLEANING APPARATUS Herbert H. Rudolph, Chicago, and John V. OBrien, Park Ridge, Ill., assignors to Spartan Tool Company, ChicagoIll., a corporation of Illinois Application April 19, 1949, Serial No. 88,444

13 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in pipe cleaning apparatus and it consists of the matters hereinafter described and more particularly set forth in the appended claims.

The present invention is more particularly concerned with apparatus ofthis kind which is heldin and is operated by the hands and includes a so-called snake or exible shaft and some means for holding a substantial length therefor and which may be fed longitudinally into a clogged pipe in short lengths while being turned axially.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of this kind which though light in weight for convenience in handling, is simple and sturdy in construction and is easy to use and operate in cramped quarters.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of this kind wherein the snake may be fed into or withdrawn from a clogged pipe in short lengths while uncoiling the snake from or coiling it into a holder forming a part of the apparatus and by which the snake is turned axially and without the necessity of the operator gripping the coil With his hands.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in apparatus of this kind, simple and novel means whereby the snake may be connected to the apparatus for either an extending or a feeding movement or a retracting or withdrawing movement, and which means may be manipulated or set to a position wherein the snake slides freely through the apparatus in either direction, thus making it an easy matter to draw out or-retract a considerable length of snake from or into the holder for the snake, as may be necessary or desired, while the coil is given a turning movement on its longitudinal axis.

The mentioned objects of the invention, along with others, together with the advantages thereof will more fully appear as the specification proceeds.v

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view through a pipe cleaning apparatus, with the parts in the retracted position and with the gripping members of the two-way clutch thereof in neutral position, wherein the apparatus and the associated snake may be freely moved relatively in either direction.

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are transverse vertical sectional views as taken on the lines 2 2, 3-3 and 4 4, respectively of Fig. 1, but on a larger scale.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal vertical sectional'view, on an enlarged Scale, of parts associated with the snake gripping end of the apparatus, with certain of said parts in a changed relation whereby they grip or connectthe snake to one of said parts for a forward feeding movement of the snake,

` i. e. toward the left as viewed in said figure.

\ Fig. 6 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view through parts at the left hand end of Fig. 1, but on a scale enlarged thereover and with the parts shown in the extended position and with the gripping parts of the apparatus disposed to grip the snake when the apparatus is moved toward the right as viewed in said Fig. 6.

Fig. 7 is a view in elevation of the snake gripping end of the outer telescopic tube of the apparatus.

Fig. 8 is a view in elevation of a certain slip tube structure disposed for a longitudinal movement relative to the inner -telescopic tube of the apparatus, as will later appear.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a certain sleeve embodied in the apparatus for setting or causing the gripping members of the two way clutch to be moved to either of two gripping positions `or to be moved into neutral position, wherein said members and snake are relatively movable longitudinally.

In general the improved apparatus embodies coacting members arranged for a relative longitudinal movement between retracted and extended positions', each movement approximating the length of feed or retraction of the Asnake Which passes through one of said members, to-

. ward either of -said positions. .The apparatus further includes means which may be set to operate automatically to grip the snake to the other of said members for a feeding movement therewith toward one of said positions and to automatically release the snake from said other of said members for a movement of the latter independently ofthe snake in a relative movement of said members toward the other of said positions. 'I'he v apparatus further includes a holder for the snake in a coiled condition and which holder is rotatable to turn the snake axially as it is being fed into a clogged or stopped up pipe- Referring now in detail to that embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the improved apparatus includes among the parts thereof 'a main supporting member or tube I0, the front or inner end of which carries an outwardly extending radial shoulder H. On the outer end of said supporting tube I 0 is an annular hollow casing I2 for holding a coiled supplyof snakeor flexibleshafting I3. lThis casing,

as shown in Fig. 1, is made from a pair of front and rear shells I4 and I5 respectively, which face each other and are joined together at their peripheries by a beading I6. The outer shell has a central opening I1 oi such diameter that the operators hand may pass therethrough as when threading the-snakeinto the :tube I' 4orvvhen it may be necessarytoarrange the Alay of the coils of snake in the casing I2. Radially outward from the opening I1 is a handle I8 by which the casing I2 and tubular member I0 maybe turned in the operation of the apparatus.

The central portion of the wallof the `front shell I4 is provided on its innerfand outeriiaces with reinforcing plates land I21) respectively. Said plates and wall portion have aligned openings for the passage of an outerendlportion-.oithe tube I therethrough and which is clamped thereto by means of front andrear upset shoul'ders'2I and 22 respectively, as best appears at the right hand'end of Fig.`1. Thelmember orrtubeiand casing I2 form a unitaryfstructurewhereinsaid tube forms a'support furthe 'casingrandithe casing, through the'handle I8, 'forms :a crank for turning said tube.

"25 indicates the snakefeedng tube of the vapparatus, which has a-telescopic movement onthe supporting `member or tube I0. kThis yfeeding tube has an insidediameter whereby it `has a sliding fit on the shoulder I I of the 'member I0. A bushing '26 has a pressed t engagement in the outervendfof the snake'feedng Itube 25 and this bushing -slides on Atheiexterior offthe supporting tube I0. `Acoiled spring 21 surrounds that part of the tube Ill between the casingreinforcing plate k2 0 and the bushing '.2 6, when the feeding tube f2 5vis inits retracted-position shown in'Fig. '1. When the tube 25 Ais moved toward its extended position, `asin'Fig. 6, .the bushing 2li-engages the shoulder 'II iandfform's a limitlng stop 'for said tube.

'The front end oftheitube 25'is provided`=with a 'tip l28 lhaving "a r central/opening 29 cfor "the passage of "the 'snake I3 therethrough. Spaced rearwardlyfrom the .tip is l' a lradial shoulder :30 which is xed to the tubei25rfandrbetweensaid tip and said shoulderfthatube is"formed to .provide an annular 'groove'fiSI onfthe inside of the tube. This-groove, whichmay zbe`formed3by annularly bulging'the tube atthis"point,.has its greatest diameter midwaybetweendts ends and at itsends merges by'rounded vcorners -intothe interior` surface of `thefmeniber 2.5 aslbesty appears inv Fig. 5.

35 indicates an actuator sleeve Vmounted onA the rear end of and having-'alengthapproximating half thelength of the "feed tube*25. The ends of 'this sleeve are upset 'to 'extend outwardly as radial shoulders- 36-'38. "ixed'tothe `inside of the ends of this sleeveare'bushlngs' 31--31 which so' fit upon the tube 25 that the sleeve may'turn on said tube. vThe rear end of the sleeve '35 .and the. associated bushingl31 engageagainst a radial flange on the bushing..26, asbestappears inFigs. l and 6.

f On the .tube 25 Y between. the shoulder -30 and thev front end ofA the.sleeve 35is1'a selectorsleeve 38 and va spacing sleeve 39. lThe V`selectorsleeve, as best appearsin Eig.f9,. isprovided withcircumferentially offset, longitudinalfront and rear slots 40: and4| frespectivelyfwhch' are 'connected between their endseby atransverse slotportion 42 thereby vforming iat said :portion vforwardly and :rearwardly "facing-shoulders '4.3wand: 44 re- I0, but still be capable of a longitudinal move- 4ment relative thereto.

The other or front end of said tube is provided with an extension or clutch tube .48 in ywhich are longitudinal slits `49 dividing the same into resilient tongues 50. `These 'two tubes 45 and 48 are connected together by means of Aa collar 5I of such diameter as'to bear against the inside of the tube 25. A nger actuatable pin 52 extends radially from 4the collar '5I and `through a longitudinal slot 53 in the tube 25 and into and through the slot portions 145, 4I andJlZ in the selector sleeve 38. rIhe slot 53 vis of 4suchlength as to limit the relative'longitudinalmovement of the Itubes 45- 48 to a distance approximating the distances between thel endsv of fthe annular groove or surfacei3I of the tube 25.

:Each tongue 50 is provided toward its free front end with an opening 54 to receive a snake gripping member 55. 'These gripping members are in the form of balls'and these balls are of such diameter that they cannot pass through the openings 54 to enter the interior of the tube extension 48.

Preferably three of such balls are employed in each apparatus, but in Figs. l, 5 and 6, two of suchballs are Shown as arranged opposite each other better to show the position of the balls relative to the snake.

In Fig. 1 We have shown the balls 55 as disposed centrally or midway between the ends of the groove 3|. In this-position, which we term the neutral or out of action position of the balls, the latter are in their non-gripping position and may float to allow a free passage of the snake I3 through the apparatus in either direction, withoutgripping the snake.

By turning the selector sleeve 38, one way or the other, it ispossible to line up either slot portion 40--4I and shoulders 43-44 with the pin 52. Assume that said pin is engaged with the.A shoulder l411|. When the selector sleeve 38 is pressed toward the tip 28 the iirst action is to withholdA the'guide` tube l45 by reason of the drag imposedv by the ngers 41 on the rear end ofsaid tubetwith the .inside of the main tube I0. The actuator.- sleeve 35 is ynow moved toward the tip 2-8 .and carries the `snake feeding tube 25 with it so that the balls 55 roll from the Aneutral or inactive positionvshown in Fig. 1,.against Athe rear end ofthe surface 3I, as shown in Fig. 5. This-presses said balls inwardly by flexing the ngers 50 of the tube 48 in the same direction so that the balls grip against the snake I3. Thus thesnake moves' forwardly for va feeding movement with` the tube 25. when the same is pushed forwardly lby thesleeve 35.

This extends said tube 4with reference tothe supporting tube I0 up to a pointv where the` bushing 26 engages'the stop shoulder II on said supporting tube. In the course of such movement .thetubesx45 and 48 -move forwardly with the tube 25. Thus the length of snake fed approximates'the distance between the bushing 26 and theA shoulder II when the/parts `are in the-positionzshown irl-Fiat l.

It is pointed out that in the'initial par-t ofthe movement of the tube 45 relative to the main supporting tube ID, such part ofsaid movement is less than'the movement of the pin 52 in the slot 53 so that at no time does said pin engage the ends of said slot to batter said ends and elongate said slot I'he sleeve 35 is then moved rearwardly toward the casing I2 and carries the tube 25 therewith to provide for another forward feed of another length of snake. As the tube 25 so moves rearwardly, the balls 55 move into the mid portion of the surface 3i, which is the portion of largest diameter thereof, so that the parts 5D of the tube 48 spring radially outward. This releases the grip of the balls on the snake, so that the balls are in the neutral or inactive position as in Fig. 1 and therefore the rearward movement of the tube is free and independent of the snake.

After a feed of a length of snake into a pipe being cleaned, and the sleeve has been retracted or moved rearwardly as mentioned, the entire tool is advanced forwardly while turning the casing I2 by means of the knob I8. which of course turns in the sleeve 35 held by the operators hand.

When the tube 25 is again moved forwardly by means of the sleeve, the balls 55 are again engaged by the rear end portion of the surface 3I and forced into gripping engagement with the snake for another feed thereof, as before described.

-The purpose of the spring 21 is to prevent the casing I2 and main supporting tube I0 from moving relatively toward the bushing 26 and the other parts which function t0 grip the snake. If said casing were to approach the parts mentioned, then since the fingers 41 are in frictional gripping engagement with the inside of the main supporting tube I0, the fingers would move relatively outward so as to cause the balls to free their grip upon the snake so that any further movement of the casing would cause the snake to move back into the casing.

This spring is further essential for practical operation of the apparatus for the following reason. It is the normal tendency of the operator to press the casing forwardly toward the pipe being cleaned, as well as to press forwardly on the sleeve 35 which alone must move relatively to the casing in order to clamp or grip the snake and thus cause the desired action.

AIn producing the spring 2l,- the spaces between the convolutionsshould be such that said convolutions engage each other and said spring goes solid before the-shoulder II can engage the collar 5I. This is `to prevent the `engagement of the pin 52 with the surfaces of the shoulders 43-44 of the sleeve 38, since continued striking of the pin thereagainst would batter and Wear them away and impair functioning of parts, possibly with the-loss of said pin or damage thereto. f I

To retract the snake from the pipe into which it has been fed, the sleeve 38 is turned on the tube 25 to dispose the shoulderll' of said sleeve rearwardly of the pin 52. The sleeve 33 is then moved toward the tip 28 and this releases'grip of the balls 55 from the snake, which is now free so that the apparatus maybe lmoved forwardly as a whole relative to the snake.

`The sleeve 35 is then pressed toward the casing I2 and because of the drag action between the supporting tube I0 and the guide tube, the

balls remain relatively stationary, temporarily so that the tube 25, as it moves with the sleeve 35 causes the front end of the surface 3l to press the balls inwardly and grip the snake, as appears in Fig. 6. Further movement of the sleeve 35 toward the casing then carries the tube 35 and the snake I3 therewith to push the latter back into the casing.

When the snake retracting movement of the sleeve has been completed, the balls are still gripped `upon the snake. Now on the movevment of the sleeve 35 away from the casing, the

balls will release their grip on the snake so that the apparatus as a whole may move relatively to the snake to get another grip upon the snake as soon as the sleeve 35 is again moved toward the casing.

Thus by means of the apparatus shown and described, it is possible, by a reciprocating movement of the sleeve 35, after a turning movement of the sleeve 3S, to feed the snake forwardly step by step while turning the same axially and to feed the snake rearwardly step by step to retract the snake from the vpipe being cleaned and to store it in the casing, all without the necessity of the operator gripping the snake with his hands.

While in describing the invention We have referred in detail to the construction and arrangement of the parts, this is to be considered only in the illustrative sense and therefore we do not Wish to be limited theretoexcept as may be specifically set forth in the appended claims.

We claim as our invention:

l. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein inner and outer tubular members arranged for` relatively longitudinal telescopic movement between retracted and extended positions approximating the length of feed for a snake extending longitudinally of said inner tubular member, for each relative movement of said members toward one of said positions, a .hand holdable member in which the outer tubular member is journalled for relative rotation, coacting parts on said hand'holdable member and on said outer tubular member respectively preventing relative longitudinal movement therebetween, and means operative automatically Vto grip the snake to the outer tubular member for a feeding movement therewith in a relative movement of said members toward said one of said positions and automatically to release said snake from said outer member for a movement ci the latter independently of the snake in a relative movement,i

oi said member toward the other of said positions.

2. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein members arranged for relative longitudinal movement between retracted and extended posi-I tions approximating the length of feed for a snake extending longitudinally of one of said members for eachrelative movement of said members toward one of said positions, and means operative automatically to grip the snake to the other of said members for a feeding movement therewith in a relative movement of said members toward said one of said positions and automatically to release said snake from said other of said members for a movement of the latter independently of said snake in a relative movement of said members'toward the other of said positions, means attached to one of said members for holding a supply of the snake in coiled loop form and which last mentioned'means is turnable to impart rotative movement to said snake in thefeeding movements thereof, lsaidE annalisa first :mentioned means including. longitudinally opposed camrsurfaces on said other of said members and snake `grippingmembershaving a limitedY inward and outward movement,v as well as a longitudinal movement with respect to said one f said members and in said limited longitudinal movement b-eing engageable by one of said cam surfaces to be projected inwardly into gripping engagement with said snake to connect ythe same thereto for movement therewith.

l3.-l?ipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein inner and outer tubular members arranged for relatively longitudinal telescopic movement between retracted and extended positions approximating theY length of feed fora snake extending longitudinally of said inner tubular member, for each relative movement of said members toward one of said positions, and means operative automatically to grip the snake to the outer tubular member for a feeding movement therewith in a relative movement of said members toward one of said positions and automatically to release said snake from said outer member for a movement of the latter independently of the snake in a relative movement of said member toward the other of said positions, said means including longitudinally opposed cam surfaces on said outer tubular member, a third tubular member located within and having a limited longitudinal movement relative to said outer tubular member and including flexible ngers each mounting a snake gripping member for a limited inward and outward movement therewith, said snake gripping members having a limited inward and outward movement as well as a longitudinal movement with respect to said inner tubular members and in said limited longitudinal movement being engageable by one of said cam surfaces to be projected inwardly into gripping engagement with said snake to connect the same thereto for movement therewith.

4. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein inner and outer tubular members arranged for relatively longitudinal telescopic movement between retracted and extended positions approximating the length of feed for a snake extending longitudinally of said inner tubular member, for each relative movement of said members toward one of said positions, and means operative automatically to grip the snake to the outer tubular member for a feeding movement therewith in a. relative movement of saidmembers toward one of said positions and automatically to release said snake from said outer member for a movement of the latter independently of the snake in a relative movement of said member toward the other of said positions, saidmeans including an annular'bulga'opposed sides of which form cam surfaces, a third tubular member located within and having a limited longitudinal movement relative to the outer tubular member and including flexible fingers, each mounting a snake gripping member for a limited inward and outward movement therewith, said snake gripping members in said limited longitudinal movement being engageable by one of said cam surfaces to be projected inwardly into gripping engagement with said snake to connect the same thereto for movement therewith.

5. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein inner and outer tubular members'arranged for relative telescopic movement between retracted and extended positions approximating'the length of feed for a snake extending longitudinally through said inner tubular member, meansfor gripping said snake tothe outer tubular member 8 and yembodying therein -lon'gitudinally' opposed cam Asurfaces on 'theiinsideof said outerV tubular member; a tube supported by said inner tubular member and surrounding apart' of said snake, coacting frictionally engaged parts on said vinner tubular member and said tube respectively permitting a limited relative longitudinal movement between them, elements for gripping said snake, means on said tube for supporting said elements for an inward and outward movement, said elements being engageable by one of said cam surfaces for projecting said elements into gripping engagement with the snake to connect the latter to said outer tubular member rfor movement therewith.

6. Pipe cleaning `apparatus embodyingl therein inner and outer tubular members arranged for relative telescopic movement between retracted and extended positions approximating the length of feed for a snake extending longitudinally through said inner tubular member, means for gripping said-snake to the outer tubular member and embodying therein longitudinally opposed cam surfaces on the inside of said outer tubular member, a tube supported by said inner tubular member and surrounding a part of said snake, coacting frictionally engaged parts on said inner tubular member and said tube respectively permitting a limited relative longitudinal movement between them, an end of said tube being formed to yield radially inwardly and outwardly, and means carried by said end of said tube and engageable by one of said cam surfaces forprojecting said members into gripping engagement with said snake to connect the same to said outer tubular member for movement therewith.

` 7. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein a main supporting tube, a snake feeding tube arranged on the supporting tube for telescopic longitudinal movement thereon between the extended and the retracted positions of said tubes, a snake guide tube havingan end portion disposed in said supporting tube and which portion and said supporting tube have parts formed to coact to provide a frictional drag therebetween in the initial part of the relative longitudinal movement of said supporting and said feeding tubes repectively, means providing a guided sliding engagement for the other end of the guide tube in the snake feeding tube and which last mentioned means and said feed tube are formed for manipulation to provide a limited longitudinal movement therebetween, snake grippingmeans carried'by said guide tube, and means carried by said snake feeding tube and engageable by said snake gripping means when said snake guide tube 'is moved in either direction relative to the feed tube to cause said snake gripping means to grip the 'snake and connect the same to said feeding tube for movement therewith.

8. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein a main supporting tube, a snake feeding tube mounted for a forth and back telescopic movement on said supporting tube and having a'snake opening at one end thereof, longitudinally spaced, oppositely disposed wedging surfaces on the inside of said feeding tube, a snake guiding tube having a limited longitudinal movement relative to said' feeding tube, vone end of said guiding tube having a telescopic engagement with one end of said supporting tube, means'operable'from the outside of the feeding tube for imparting said limited longitudinal movement to the guiding tube in either direction-relative' to thesupporting tube, means carried by the'other end of said guiding tube 'and providing radially yieldable portions, and means carried by said yieldable portions and operative to be engaged with either of saidv wedging surfaces in said relative. longitudinal movement between said guiding and said supporting tubes in either direction, said last mentioned means in its engagement with either of said wedging surfaces being moved inwardly thereby to grip a portion of the snake to operatively connect the same to the feeding tube for movement therewith in either its forth or back movement on said supporting tube.

9. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein a main supporting tube, a snake feeding tube mounted for a forth and back telescopic movement on said supporting tube and having a snake opening at one end thereof, an annular groove on the inside of said end of the feeding tube with the ends of said grooves providing oppositely disposed, longitudinally spaced Wedging surfaces, a snake guiding tube having a limited longitudinal movement relative to said feeding tube, one end of said guiding tube having a telescopic engagement with one end of said supporting tube, means operable from the outside of the feeding tube for imparting said limited longitudinal movement to the guiding tube in either direction relative to the supporting tube, means carried by the other end of said guiding tube and providing radially yieldable portions, and means carried by said yieldable portions and operative to be engaged with either of said wedging surfaces in said relative longitudinal movement between said guiding and said supporting tubes in either direction, said last mentioned means in its engagement with either of said surfaces being moved inwardly thereby to grip a portion of the snake to operatively connect the same to the feeding tube for movement therewith in its forth and back movement on said supporting tube.

10. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein a main supporting tube, a snake feeding tube mounted for a forth and back telescopic movement on said supporting tube and having a snake opening at one end thereof, longitudinally spaced, oppositely disposed wedging surfaces on the inside of said feeding tube, a snake guiding tube having a limited longitudinal movement relative to said feeding tube, one end of said guiding tube having a telescopic engagement with one end of said supporting tube, one end of one of said two last mentioned tubes being formed with longitudinally extending radially flexible spring fingers for increasing the frictional grip thereof with the end of the other of said tubes, means operable from the outside of the feeding tube for imparting said limited longitudinal movement to the guiding tube in either direction relative to the supporting tube, means carried by the other end of said guiding tube and providing radially yieldable portions, and means carried by said yieldable portions and operative to be engaged with either of said wedging surfaces in said relative longitudinal movement between said guiding and said supporting tubes in either direction, said last mentioned means in its engagement with either of said Wedging surfaces being moved inwardly thereby to grip a portion of the snake to operatively connect the same to the feeding tube for movement therewith in either its forth or back movement on said supporting tube.

11. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein a main supporting tube, a snake feeding tube {mountedfor a forth and back telescopic movement on said supporting tube and having a snake hopening at one end thereof, longitudinally spaced, oppositely disposed wedging surfaces on the inside of said feeding tube, a snake guiding tube having a limited longitudinal movement relative to said feeding tube, one end of said guiding tube having a telescopic engagement with one end of said supporting tube, means operable from the outside of the feeding tube for imparting said limited longitudinal movement to the guiding tube in either direction relative to the supporting tube, means carried by the other end of said guiding tube and providing radially yieldable portions, each having an opening therein, and a ball engaged in the outside but incapable of passing through the opening in each portion and operative outwardly of said yieldable portions to be engaged with either of said wedging surface in said relative longitudinal movement between said guiding and said supporting tubes in either direction, said balls in their engagement with either of said wedging surfaces being moved inwardly thereby to grip a portion of the snake to operatively connect the same to the feeding tube for movement therewith in either of its back and forth movement on said supporting tube.

12. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein a main supporting tube, a snake feeding tube mounted for a forth and back telescopic movement on said supporting tube and having a snake opening at one end thereof, longitudinally spaced, oppositely disposed wedging surfaces on the inside of said feeding tube, a snake guiding tube having a limited longitudinal movement relative to said feeding tube, one end of said guiding tube having a telescopic engagement with one end of said supporting tube, means including a collar on said guiding tubes and including a part extending out through an opening in the feeding tube and operable from the outside thereof for imparting said limited longitudinal movement to the guiding tube and providing radially yieldable portions, and means carried by said yieldable portions and operative to be engaged with either of said wedging surfaces in said relative longitudinal movement between said guiding and said supporting tubes in either direction, said last mentioned means in its engagement with either of said wedging surfaces being moved inwardly thereby to grip a portion of the snake to operatively connect the same to the feeding tube for movement therewith in either its forth or back movement on the supporting tube.

13. Pipe cleaning apparatus embodying therein a main supporting tube, a snake feeding tube mounted for a forth and back telescopic movement on said supporting tube and having a snake opening at one end thereof, longitudinally spaced, oppositely disposed wedging surfaces on the inside of said feeding tube, a snake guiding tube having a limited longitudinal movement relative to said feeding tube, one end of said guiding tube having a telescopic engagement with one end of said supporting tube, means including a collar on said guiding tube and carrying a pin that projects outwardly through an elongated opening in the feeding tube, a selector tube turnable on but longitudinally movable with said guiding tube, including opposed shoulders and annularly offset slot portions for cooperation with said pin for selecting the desired position for said pin when said feeding tube is moved in the desired direction on the supporting tube, means carried by the f said --yeldemlole'portions fand operative vtoi befriening: moved inwardly Vtherebyv to grip,aportion` of f the snake-to operatively:connectthei-sameutothe i feeding; tubes-1 for movement therewithrm: itsases e'cted longitudinal: movementfrvonf,saidzsmam-vsupf 'portingtube.

.r RUDOLPH. JOHN V. yOLBRIEN. 

